2 fatal accidents linked to winter storm

ST. LOUIS - Two fatal accidents are now linked to the winter storm that is rumbling across the Plains.

A 19-year-old woman was killed in Nebraska when an SUV skidded across the median in snowy, icy conditions and struck her car. In Oklahoma, an 18-year-old died yesterday when his pickup truck skidded into oncoming traffic and struck a truck.

Transportation officials in Kansas are urging people to stay off the highways -- particularly the Kansas Turnpike. Interstate 70, which runs the length of Kansas, is snow-packed and icy.

And some travelers are staying where they are. At an Econo Lodge in WaKeeney, Kan., an assistant manager says the 48 rooms were full by 10 p.m. last night, and most guests are choosing to stay an extra day.

Parts of Kansas are buried under 14 inches of powdery snow, with more still coming down. Forecasters are predicting as much as 18 inches. Other areas are expecting freezing rain and sleet.